Young Men's
Rites of Passage
Embark on a 5-day retreat to fully embrace your manhood. Leave with a greater sense of purpose, deeper self-understanding, and a clearer vision for your role in life. Join a brotherhood of young men to delve into ancient wisdom, and experience rituals, storytelling, and encounters with the natural world.
Why do men choose Initiation?
In our modern western society, men are grasping for a spirituality that is both relevant to our new ways of living and powerful in a world built around materialism, consumerism and mindless distraction.
A Lost Tradition
For millennia, men across almost every human culture would undergo initiation into adulthood. It’s a tradition that has been lost to men in the west. Without initiation, many men find themselves wrestling with questions of identity, morality, and power—difficulties which, if not resolved in healthy ways, can cause profound damage to individual men, their loved ones, and others around them.
How Initiation can help you.
Over the course of 5 days of soulful experiences, you will move through classic steps of male initiation, through simple and moving rituals and through teachings in a large group. You’ll have plenty of time alone to wander and experience nature. You’ll have time to process your experiences and feelings with a small group of brothers. And you will return an initiated man.
You know after any truly initiating experience that you are part of a much bigger whole. Life is not about you henceforward, but you are about life.
Join us in Summer 2024
and embark on your
Rites of Passage
All young men aged 18 to 28 are welcome, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, or religious and cultural backgrounds.
Journey
5 day retreat, filled morning to evening with nature, rituals and camaraderie
When
Wed 24 July -> Sun 28 July 2024
Where
The beautfiul Slí an Chroí in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Cost
€595. This is our break-even cost; we’re a non-profit voluntary organisation. Bursaries are available.
Testimonials
Over 10,000 men have taken their Rites since Richard Rohr first created the program in Ghost Ranch in the 90s.
Hear what some of our Irish brothers have said.
Níall O’Catháin
MROP 2023
The rites was a significant turning point in my life. For several years my soul sought out a rites of passage without knowing what a rites was. Through numerous solo endeavours I tried to mark my initiation into manhood. It was only after my rites in 2023 did I realise that accepting I couldn’t do it all by myself was the shift in mindset I needed to begin of my initiation. My perspective on how I view myself and my place in the world has totally shifted since the rites. I’ll forever be thankful for the many friendships, lessons and memories I have from the rites in Kiltegan.
Marcin Gardas
MROP 2023
For years before my Rites, I felt dissatisfaction and I was trying to deal with it by chasing pleasure and escaping discomfort. That all changed after my Rites. After the Rites, I felt like I met my life for the first time in years. Life became so vivid. I began to embrace it instead of escaping from it. I will be forever grateful for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a religious event?
The YMROP has its roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition. However, it's about inner spirituality and ancient wisdom traditions that guide us into our true selves and connect us to all human beings and the more than human world. Young men from diverse traditions and none participate. Regardless of faith or lack thereof, all are welcome and will benefit from the profoundly deep impact of this work.
Why do men need initiation?
The initiation of the boy into manhood was deemed absolutely necessary for cultural survival and personal spirituality by primal cultures throughout the world. However the custom in the west is mostly forgotten.
The problem is that if men are not led through an inner journey of powerlessness and transformation, they will inevitably misunderstand and abuse power. Initiation provides the man with the experiences that help shape his deep understanding of his value and place in the world.
Is the YMROP a once-off event?
The YMROP serves as an initiation, marking a new beginning. If accepted as an initiate, you will attend this event only once. Whether you have completed the YMROP or not, you are welcome to join any of our regular
Is there financial assistance?
We firmly believe that investing in the development of young men today will have a lasting positive impact on their lives, our community, and society at large. We aim to keep costs as low as possible, and provide a limited bursary fund for men that may find the fee a real struggle. Your readiness to attend is more important than your financial situation. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to be considered for bursary assistance.
I am a member of the LGBT community, will I be welcome?
All identifying men are welcome in this sacred and safe space. We each bring our own insights, anxieties, and fears into this shared experience. We respect each man's right to speak his truth and discern his path. It's common for participants to discover that we are more alike in our longings, and deepest aspirations than we are different.
Couldn't find your question above?
We are fully committed to offering assistance in any way possible. You can reach out to us via email or request a callback. Rest assured that we maintain strict confidentiality regarding all inquiries and communications.
Embark on your journey
Join us on the Young Men's
Rites of Passage 2024
We’re looking forward to meeting you